While the Tridentina led the vanguard of the Alpini Corps’ attempts to break out of the Russian encirclement, the Cuneense Division served as the rear guard, repeatedly fighting off Soviet pursuers so that the main body could press on to the west and possible safety. The front of the column, realizing the town ahead was occupied by the enemy, diverted to Nikolajewka. Unfortunately, the Italians had no working long range radios left, and the only way for the Alpinis’ chief of staff to get in touch with the following divisions was through messenger or personal contact. These efforts failed. The result was that on January 20, 1943, major elements of the Julia and Cuneense Divisions ran head on into strong elements of the encircling Soviet forces.
Attacker: Italian (4 Divisione Alpini "Cuneense")
Defender: Russian (250th Cavalry Regiment, 8th Guards Cavalry Division and Local Partisans)
6.5 turns
Players: 2 OBA: None Night: No
Unit Counts:
Squads: A:15.0 D:20.0
AFVs: A:0
AFVs: D:0
Taczanka x 2 Horse x 10
Guns: A:0
Mortaio da 45 Brixia Fucile-cc 35(P)
D:0
Misc Rules:
GS (E3.72), DS (E3.73). All roads dirt. Bldgs: Wooden. A: AS (A19.131), EW (E3.74).
The Italians tried a central approach, but was stopped by the partisans in the central building which battle hardened and generator a hero. After the substantial cavalry reinforcement arrived, the scenario was as good as over. Very unbalanced dice made this playing even harder on the Italians than the card would suggest.
2022-12-29
(D) Jeff B
vs
John Fedoriw
Russian win
2.75 hrs
The Italians will obviously be running full bore with a large part of their force until the Russian reinforcements enter, and much will depend on where the partisans setup, and how lucky they get on their shots. I think they must strongly defend the northern woods, as I feel that if the Italians can make it to the western woods line they will be in a great position to interdict the Russian cavalry. On Turn 3 I was lucky enough to be granted a 6-2 on the 10-3 and company, and a 3-2 on the 9-1 and company, but my partisans were not up to the task and both whiffed. They were subsequently broken never to return, but they still provided a big service by slowing the Italian advance down just enough for my cavalry to more safely position themselves on the NW edge. Meanwhile my chasing Russians were positioning themselves along the southern hedgerow. Fire lanes will be crucial for the Russian defense. I lost a Taczanka on Turn 4, while the other broke its gun never to be repaired. From here on out it would simply be a matter of how lucky the Italians could get with their AFPh and DFPh, and the few preps they took. Unfortunately for John the answer was not lucky enough, with many of my defenders even retaining concealment. I think I would've made a mad dash for it on Turn 5 if I were him (especially with the 10-3 and full stack), but he tried more of the above relatively-cautious moving, followed by mostly unlucky shot results. In the end I could almost block the way with bodies, and he conceded in the middle of Turn 6 with the thought that this scenario was a bit of a dog, but we both thought it was an interesting situation.
2022-07-24
(D) Richard Jenulis
vs
Brent Morris
Russian win
[Italian balance] The Italians crept along the south edge. The Russian did not bring in any of their turn 5 reinforcements. On the last turn, the Italians had 14 points in range to exit. Then General Battisi, who was leading the charge, when berserk and took the remaining unbroken squad with him.
2022-06-26
(A) Dave Mareske
vs
Dan Best
Russian win
2022-06-25
(D) Dan Best
vs
Dave Mareske
Russian win
The Italian rear guard MMG broke on the first shot and squads frequently ELR reduced. By the last turn the Italians needed to exit 9 VP and had 9 VP remaining. Four VP broke attempting to exit. This scenario is very hard on the Italians.